Free Hannah’s Beau by Renee Ryan Page A

haven’t been heard from since.”
    “Oh my.” Laney’s eyes widened. “That certainly puts you in a bad situation, especially since I’m assuming she met the man through you.”
    How had Laney assessed the situation so accurately? Was her guilt that transparent?
    “You’re correct, I did introduce the two. And now I’m afraid my father may never forgive me for it.”
    Laney placed her hand over Hannah’s. “I’m so sorry.”
    “I have to bring Rachel home.” A rush of emotion threatened to overwhelm her. Hannah rose and started pacing. “The sooner the better, because she is to be married in a month.”
    “Do you have any idea where they went?”
    “No. I only know that they were seen boarding a train headed west.”
    “Then you’ll have to let Trey do the hunting for a while.”
    “I can’t just sit here and do nothing.” Hannah pounded her fists against her thighs. “I feel so…so…helpless.”
    “Of course you do.” Laney pulled Hannah into her arms. “But you can’t go blindly chasing after them, either. You have good men on your side. Have a little faith.”
    Faith. Trust. Both came at such a high price. Could she let herself become that vulnerable? Should she take the risk? Did she dare not?
    Leaning into the other woman, Hannah shut her eyes and let the tension drain out of her. “You’re right, of course.”
    “I usually am.”
    Hannah smiled at the lack of guile in the high-and-mighty statement.
    “So, it’s settled. Until you get more information, you’ll just have to keep yourself busy.” Laney patted her on the back and released her. “Would you consider moving inhere until you get some direction? I could use the extra hands, and I’m thinking you could use the diversion.”
    Surprised at the instant desire to accept Laney’s offer, Hannah forced her mind to focus, to concentrate on the particulars. No matter how appealing she found the prospect of living at Charity House for a while, she didn’t want to make any more hasty decisions. “Can I think about it?”
    “Absolutely. For now, let’s get you—”
    Laney’s words were interrupted by the pastor’s entrance. “Miss Southerland, could I have a private word with you?”
    Hannah spun around. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of Pastor Beau standing in the doorway. His broad shoulders filled every available space. No man had the right to look that tall, that masculine and that in charge when she was so worn-out.
    Worse, he looked so much like Tyler that Hannah had to lower her gaze in order to contain the sudden spasm of anger that shot through her. Taking a few slow breaths, she swallowed back her irrational temper and lifted her gaze once again. This time, she saw the sadness, the fierce sorrow he so carefully masked.
    He’s lonely was her first thought. But that was impossible. Wasn’t it?
    Laney cleared her throat and stepped toward the doorway. “I’ll just leave you two alone.”
    And that seemed the most frightening prospect yet. At least with Laney in the room, Hannah had an ally.
    Unfortunately, her new friend—the turncoat—deserted her without a backward glance.

Chapter Seven

    T he moment Laney disappeared down the hallway, the temperature in the kitchen dropped several degrees. As easy as it would be to hold on to her resentment, Hannah decided the time for anger and blame had passed. Now she needed to focus on the next step in the search for Rachel and Tyler.
    “What did the marshal have to say?” she asked in what she hoped was a mild tone.
    “He’s agreed to help us. He’ll begin making inquiries immediately.” The obvious relief in his eyes was evident in his gaze.
    “Good. Good.” Her own sense of relief coated her voice. “How long do you think it will take for us to hear something?”
    “Hard to say. A day, a week.” His gaze slid to hers, dark, serious and apologetic now. “Perhaps longer.”
    A gasp flew from her lips, and her heart pounded hard against her ribs.